We have entered round two of the playoffs, and only eight teams remain. While most of last week didn’t have many surprising wins or losses, the matches proved to be exciting and unpredictable. It’ll be difficult to guess who’s going to step up this time around. Nevertheless, looking at the flaws and strengths of these squads, we can estimate who’s success will coincide with the team’s victory. With all that said, let’s take a look at the biggest x-factor for every team in the divisional round of the NFL.
Denver Broncos: RJ Harvey
Oct 26, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (12) runs against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Jacksonville’s abandonment of the ground game was what led to their heartbreaking loss against Buffalo. Sean Peyton must take note and not allow his squad to make that same mistake. JK Dobbins is yet to be cleared for a return, so the weight falls on RJ Harvey’s shoulder to pound the rock. The rookie has shown flashes as the team’s lead back. If he hits the ground running and wears out Buffalo’s D, chances are the Broncos will punch their ticket to the AFC Championship game.
Buffalo Bills: The Defense
Jan 11, 2026; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop (24) and teammates react after catching an interception during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars in an AFC Wild Card Round game at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Instead of a specific player or position group, the Buffalo defense will be the determining factor for this match. You can be confident that Josh Allen can carry the offense, and that James Cook will bounce back. However, the Bills can’t allow Bo Nix and the Broncos attack to turn on the heat. The Buffalo defense played lights out versus a red hot Jacksonville offense. If they can maintain that elite play, they’ll go blow for blow in Denver.
New England Patriots: The Offensive Line
Sep 14, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) shake hands with New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Patriots’ reshuffled and rejuvenated line will face one of their biggest challenges yet. Houston’s defense is pick your poison, but the duo of Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter is in a league of its own. The two combined for 15 pressures and 1.5 sacks, paving the way for a unit that generated a 45.9% pressure rate. While Maye is a lot more mobile than Aaron Rodgers, there is no question that the Patriots line must step up.
Houston Texans: Christian Kirk
Oct 5, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
When targeting the slot, CJ Stroud completed 11 of his 15 passes for 159 with a touchdown and interception. Nico Collins’ absence in that role was felt, but Christian Kirk proved he’s capable of producing in relief. He might need to continue the pace he’s playing at, as Collins is currently in concussion protocol. The Texans defense has illustrated time and time again they can win games, all they need is for the offense to just keep up, and Kirk will be key in doing that.
Seattle Seahawks: Nick Emmanwori
Dec 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) celebrates after an interception with safety Julian Love (20) against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
In order to combat Kyle Shanahan’s creative offense, Emmanwori will be the key piece for Seattle. He already excelled against the 49ers during week 18, showing off his elite tackling skills. Now with George Kittle being sidelined, he’ll be able to do even better this time around. The rookie’s flexibility will be maximized, and he’ll likely make some high-impact plays in his playoff debut.
San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Injuries have taken a toll on the 49ers offense, and Purdy may be forced to play with second-teamers as his weapons. As such, he’ll need to be in top shape for the Niners to put points on the board. It’s going to be an uphill battle, especially considering how the last meeting between the two division rivals unfolded. However, a difference this time around will be the presence of Trent Williams. If he’s able to keep Purdy comfortable in the pocket, an upset is possible.
Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland
Dec 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Loveland has slowly bloomed into the player the Bears were hoping they’d get when drafting him. His performance against Green Bay was outright dominant, and against LA he’ll hope to do the same. The Packers ranked higher than the Rams in yardage allowed to tight ends, and if he did well against them, maybe similar numbers could follow. This isn’t to say that it’s a guarantee Loveland will be lighting up the stat sheet, but it’s a promising matchup nonetheless.
Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Verse has had a quiet season on the stat sheet, but is still a dominant presence. He’ll need to not only win consistently, but also make sure to finish in this game. The Rams can’t afford to allow Caleb Williams to run out of the pocket and work out of structure, they’ll need to stop him cold in his tracks. Verse will also need to remain diligent against the run, and use his power to overwhelm opposing o-linemen.
If you enjoyed this article please like and follow us here on MSN! Thank you for reading and have a great day!
Want to know how last week’s quarterbacks did in the wildcard? Give this article a read!
